Jokowi Reveals Reasons For Choosing Zulkifli Hasan As Trade Minister: Good Track Record

President Jokowi gives a press statement after the inauguration of the minister/deputy minister reshuffle /Youtube Presidential Secretariat

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo revealed the reason he decided to appoint the General Chairman of PAN Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) to become the Minister of Trade replacing M. Lutfi.

After the inauguration of ministers and deputy ministers at the State Palace today, Jokowi assessed that Zulhas has a good track record as a minister who takes care of the food needs of the community.

"I see Mr. Zul with experience, with a track record, a long track record, I think it will be very good for the Minister of Trade," said Jokowi as seen on the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube show, Wednesday, June 15.

Before being sworn in as Minister of Trade, Zulhas was Deputy Chair of the MPR for the 2019-2024 period. He also served as Minister of Forestry during the era of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Jokowi assesses that what is needed now is a minister who is experienced in food matters. The Minister of Trade, said Jokowi, must also go into the field to see and resolve food problems that are felt by the people.

"This food issue related to the people requires field experience, requires work that goes into the field to see directly related issues, especially those related to the people's basic needs," said Jokowi.

"In terms of exports, I think it will also be a matter for the Minister of Trade. However, what is more important is that we have to take care of domestic basic needs," he continued.

For information, Jokowi inaugurated the General Chair of the National Mandate Party (PAN) Zulkifli Hasan and former TNI Commander Hadi Tjahjanto as ministers in the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet at the State Palace today, Wednesday, June 15. Zulkifli Hasan is now serving as the Minister of Trade replacing M. Lutfi while Hadi Tjahjanto as Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning (ATR) of the National Land Agency (BPN).